3rd Annual SEO BBQ and BlueGlassLA 2012

I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am that BlueGlass is coming back to Los Angeles on April 23rd and 24th at the Standard Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. BlueGlass does events differently, as only 125 tickets will be sold. When their events are sold out, that’s it. (BlueGlassLA is SOLD OUT) I tweet and talk so much about BlueGlass and their events, primarily because of the world-class individuals that make up the team. I have been grateful to make many friends in the SEO/Internet Marketing world, and a number of them are at BlueGlass.

Since I typically work independently, spending time with like-minded individuals is extremely valuable to me. The SEO BBQ began as a way to share my appreciation for friends I’ve made in the world of search. It’s a casual experience, held at my home in Venice Beach California, and I’m looking forward to seeing friends again, as well as meeting new friends that are going to join us this year.

Things may not be as casual as in the past, since approximately 60 people have RSVP’d, but that’s spread throughout the day, and there is plenty to see in the Venice Canals neighborhood.

The past two years, the SEO BBQ was held during Memorial Day weekend. We had been blessed with terrific weather both times. Weather in Venice Beach should be mid 70s for the end of April, and we will be outdoors for most of the day, dress for beach weather and bring a hoodie or something similar.

Quite a few of those planning to attend are not locals to Los Angeles, as they are in town for the conference on Monday. We are located about 7 miles from LAX airport (less than $30 cab ride) and about 16 miles from the Downtown Los Angeles Standard Hotel. Parking in the area is limited so arriving by taxi may be a good choice. For those staying at the Standard, I am arranging for a limousine (7 passengers max per trip) to make trips back to the hotel Sunday evening. That way guests can enjoy themselves and not have concerns about driving.

Do I need to RSVP? Yes, I want to make sure we have enough food and beverages for those attending. Contact me via e-mail at planetc1 {at} gmail.com and also let me know if you’re bringing anyone along. You can also message me or DM on twitter @chiropractic.

What should I bring? As far as food and drinks go, do not feel obligated to bring anything, we should be pretty well stocked. There will be a margarita machine blending both regular and pomegranate margaritas most of the day, plenty of red and white wines, and an assortment of ice cold beer and sodas. In the past guests have brought tequila, beer, deserts, and meat for the barbecue. If you have a particular preference for food or beverage, bring it along with you, or message me with your requests.

What’s to eat? We will be serving traditional barbecue foods such as hot dogs and hamburgers. There will be chips and salsa, guacamole, and other things to snack on as well. Again, if you want something specific to put on the barbecue, either bring it along or make a request.

A 7 hour barbecue, what time should I really arrive? If you show up before 2pm, you can help us set up. Come and go as you please. There will be something to eat/drink at all times between 2 and 9 PM. Were going to call it an early night since it’s a Sunday, and I imagine most of you will be checking in (or already checked in) at the hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

Any activities besides eating and drinking? Yes, we live in world-famous Venice Beach (The Most Beautiful Beach in Southern California) and I’m planning an evening group walk through the Venice Canals, followed by a sunset walk near the Venice Pier.

It’s a short and picturesque walk along the canals, to the beach, and back. If you’re not going to be hanging out at the house all day, it’s a terrific neighborhood to explore. You’re welcome to use my house as your home base, and enjoy a day visiting Venice Beach, and Ocean Front Walk. It’s one of the most visited tourist attractions (2nd only to Disneyland) in Southern California.

Can I bring my kids? Yes, bring your kids if you’d like, but don’t expect me to babysit them or you for that matter. I’ll be preoccupied operating the margarita machine. If you have BBQ skills, don’t hesitate to toss something on the grill and prepare it for yourself, your family, or guests. Our home is casual and the plan for Sunday is to chill out and have a great time with great friends.

What about the SEO? Being that it’s a Sunday and there’s going to be 2 intensive days discussing SEO/Search and Internet Marketing at the BlueGlass conference, don’t feel obligated to talk SEO while at my house. But if you get bored or can’t resist, there’s a huge whiteboard in the house, featuring a number of sites/projects I’ll take feedback on.

Seriously, I am hiring, and so is BlueGlass, so speak up if you’re looking to work.

If I think of anything else or there are unanswered questions I’ll update this post as necessary and make mentions on twitter.

Update: A bunch of people are getting into LAX midday Sunday afternoon. I’d suggest coordinating with friends and sharing a cab to my house. Cab fare should be less than $30 from LAX cab line. We have a guest room where you can keep your things until it’s time to head to the hotel.

I’ll open up WiFi for those of you that may need it, forgot some are international travelers and don’t have service in the states.

Sponsors: People have been asking how much it costs to get into the BBQ. You are a guest in my home, there’s no admission fees, there’s no sponsors, only good times with good people. Technically, the event is being funded by Planet Chiropractic, don’t forget to check in via Foursquare when you get to the house.

Hashtags: The official hashtag for BlueGlassLA is #BlueGlassLA and the hashtag for the BBQ is #SEOBBQ.

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